A teenager has been arrested on suspicion of possession of a knife after being searched by police.

The 14-year-old boy was caught by police in Halliwell after he tried to run away when they stopped to speak to a group of three he was part of.

The officers gave chase and arrested the boy after they say they stopped, searching him and found him to have been carrying a knife.

A Greater Manchester Police spokesperson said: “Officers from the Bolton North Neighbourhood Team have been out on patrol this afternoon in Halliwell.

“Officers stopped to speak to three males, one of which decided to make off from officers.

“After a short foot chase, the 14-year-old male was detained and informed officers that he was in possession of a knife.

“The male was searched under Section 1 of PACE and a knife was recovered from his coat pocket.

“The male was arrested for Possession of a Bladed Article in a Public Place and is now in custody awaiting questioning.”

Police have appealed for anyone with any further information or concerns to get in touch with them by calling 101 or 999 in the event of an emergency.

Alternatively, witnesses can contact independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.